William Fry (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Fry
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|---|---|
| 14th Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man | |
| In office 1919–1925 |
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| Monarch | George V |
| Preceded by | Lord Raglan |
| Succeeded by | Sir Claude Hill |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Fry
8 September 1858 |
| Died | 30 March 1934 (aged 75) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Ellen Margaret Goldie-Taubman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1878–1919 |
| Rank | Major-General |
| Commands | Mounted Infantry School Lancashire Regiment District East Lancashire Division 1st London Division 2/1st London Division 30th Division |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Afghan War Second Boer War First World War |
Sir William Fry was an important British Army officer. He was born on September 8, 1858, and passed away on March 30, 1934. He served in major conflicts like the Second Boer War and the First World War. After his military career, he became the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man. This role meant he was the King's representative on the island.
Contents
Sir William Fry's Military Journey
Sir William Fry began his military career in May 1878. He joined the British Army as a second lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment. His early service included the Second Anglo-Afghan War from 1878 to 1880. During this time, he steadily moved up the ranks.
Service in the Boer War
In October 1899, the Second Boer War began in South Africa. Fry and his regiment were sent there. They were part of the effort to help the town of Ladysmith, which was surrounded by enemy forces.
He fought in several key battles during this period. These included the Battle of Colenso in December 1899 and the Battle of Spion Kop in January 1900. He also took part in the battles of Vaal Krantz and the Tugela Heights.
In February 1900, he took command of his battalion. A week later, the forces successfully helped Ladysmith. He remained in South Africa until the war ended in June 1902. For his bravery, he received the Queen's South Africa Medal. He was also honored as a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).
Leadership Roles and World War I
After the Boer War, Fry held several important leadership positions. In 1905, he became the Commandant of the Mounted Infantry School. He then led the Lancashire Regiment District in 1907. By 1908, he was the Commander of the East Lancashire Division.
He continued to take on significant roles. In 1910, he became the Deputy Director General of the Territorial Force. He then commanded the 1st London Division in 1912.
When the First World War started, Sir William Fry played a crucial part. He commanded the 30th Division. Later, he served as a Major-General in charge of administration in Ireland. He retired from the army in 1919. He was also the Colonel of the West Yorkshire Regiment.
Life After the Army
After retiring from his long military career, Sir William Fry took on a new challenge. In 1919, he became the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man. This was a very important civilian role. He served in this position until 1925. He lived in Winkfield in Berkshire, England.
Family Life
Sir William Fry married Ellen Margaret Goldie-Taubman in 1886.
